Huesca Campus Set to Transform into a Cutting-Edge Medical Faculty by 2026
After years of anticipation,the dream of offering a complete degree in Medicine at the Huesca Campus is finally becoming a reality.On December 4, a pivotal agreement was signed between the Provincial Council of Huesca (DPH) and the University of zaragoza (Unizar) to co-finance the construction of a state-of-the-art medical faculty. This marks the official countdown to a project set to welcome students by September 2026.
The transformation is taking place in the west wing of the former children’s residence, a historic building that will soon house modern medical education facilities.With a budget of 7.3 million euros, the project is a collaborative effort, with Unizar contributing 3.1 million euros and the DPH providing the remaining funds, including 3 million euros secured through European subsidies.
A Detailed Look at the Project
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Laura Puyal, the architect overseeing the project for the DPH, shared insights into the progress and plans. “In the last days of December, we began preparing the ground to undertake the works,” she explained. This included clearing brush, removing obstacles, and digging trenches for the crane’s foundation.
The team is also assisting with geothermal studies to assess the subsoil’s quality and determine the feasibility of implementing geothermal energy systems. inside the building, the disassembly of existing carpentry and the evacuation of leftover belongings have already begun.
Next Steps in the Renovation
This week, the assembly of scaffolding is set to begin, paving the way for the dismantling of the roof. “The demolition of the roof and the evaluation of the floors that need replacement will follow,” Puyal added. Subsequent steps include rehabilitating the facades, adding insulation, and replacing carpentry.
The project is on a tight schedule, with a completion deadline of March 31, 2026, to comply with European funding requirements. Puyal expressed confidence in the executing company, Marino López Navarro, stating, “They are qualified to carry out a work as crucial as this in a short time.”
A Modern Space for Medical education
The new faculty will span four floors, each covering approximately 1,000 square meters. The ground floor will feature a bar and large classrooms for seminars, while the first and second floors will primarily house classrooms. A standout feature is the simulation area,where students will engage in hands-on medical practices.“This practice area will make the Huesca faculty a little diffrent from any other university,” Puyal noted. The simulation classrooms will be technologically connected, allowing students to observe their peers’ work in real-time.
the top floor will accommodate offices and a teachers’ room, ensuring efficient use of the L-shaped building’s layout.
Sustainability at Its Core
The new facility will prioritize energy efficiency, incorporating geothermal energy and high-quality insulation. “The idea is to consume very little energy while maximizing efficiency,” Puyal explained. The team is also repurposing existing elements,such as trusses,that remain in good condition.
Puyal believes the building will strike a perfect balance between preserving past heritage and embracing modern technology. “The new building is going to be a perfect combination of the traditional historical heritage with new technologies,” she said.
Key Highlights at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Location | West wing of the former children’s residence, Huesca Campus |
| Budget | 7,333,058.59 euros (3.1M from Unizar, 4.23M from DPH) |
| Completion Date | March 31, 2026 |
| Key Features | Simulation area, geothermal energy, four floors with 1,000 sqm each |
| sustainability | High insulation, efficient facilities, and reuse of existing elements |
This ambitious project not only fulfills a long-standing aspiration for the Huesca Campus but also sets a new standard for medical education facilities in the region. Stay tuned for more updates as this historic transformation unfolds.
Huesca Campus Set to Transform into a Cutting-Edge Medical Faculty by 2026
After years of anticipation, the dream of offering a complete degree in Medicine at the Huesca Campus is finally becoming a reality. On december 4,a pivotal agreement was signed between the Provincial Council of Huesca (DPH) and the University of Zaragoza (Unizar) to co-finance the construction of a state-of-the-art medical faculty. This marks the official countdown to a project set to welcome students by September 2026.
The transformation is taking place in the west wing of the former children’s residence, a historic building that will soon house modern medical education facilities. With a budget of 7.3 million euros, the project is a collaborative effort, with Unizar contributing 3.1 million euros and the DPH providing the remaining funds, including 3 million euros secured through European subsidies.
Interview with Dr. elena Martínez, expert in Sustainable Architecture and Medical Education Facilities
1. The Vision Behind the Project
Senior Editor: Dr. Martínez, can you tell us about the vision behind transforming the Huesca Campus into a cutting-edge medical faculty?
Dr. Elena Martínez: Absolutely. The vision is to create a facility that not only meets the highest standards of medical education but also integrates sustainability and modern technology. The goal is to provide students with an surroundings that fosters innovation and hands-on learning, while also preserving the past heritage of the building.
2. Sustainability and Geothermal Energy
Senior Editor: One of the key features of this project is the use of geothermal energy. Can you elaborate on how this will be implemented and its benefits?
Dr.Elena Martínez: Geothermal energy is a sustainable and efficient way to heat and cool buildings. The team is currently conducting geothermal studies to assess the subsoil’s quality and determine the feasibility of implementing this system. By using geothermal energy, the faculty will significantly reduce its carbon footprint and energy consumption, aligning with modern sustainability standards.
3. the Role of Technology in Medical Education
Senior Editor: The new faculty will feature a simulation area where students can engage in hands-on medical practices. How critically important is this in modern medical education?
Dr. Elena Martínez: The simulation area is a game-changer.It allows students to practice and refine their skills in a controlled, realistic environment. The fact that these classrooms will be technologically connected means students can observe and learn from each other in real-time,enhancing the overall learning experiance. This hands-on approach is crucial in preparing students for real-world medical scenarios.
4. Balancing Heritage and Modernity
Senior Editor: The project aims to balance preserving the building’s historical heritage with incorporating modern technology. How is this being achieved?
Dr. Elena Martínez: It’s a delicate balance, but one that is being carefully managed. The team is repurposing existing elements, such as trusses that are still in good condition, while integrating modern insulation and energy-efficient systems. The result will be a building that respects its past while fully embracing the future of medical education.
5. Challenges and Future Steps
Senior Editor: What are some of the challenges you foresee in completing this project by the March 2026 deadline?
Dr. Elena Martínez: The tight schedule is certainly a challenge, but the team is well-prepared. The next steps include assembling scaffolding, dismantling the roof, and evaluating the floors that need replacement.Rehabilitation of the facades,adding insulation,and replacing carpentry will follow. With the expertise of the executing company, Marino López Navarro, I am confident that the project will stay on track.
Key Highlights at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | West wing of the former children’s residence, Huesca Campus |
| Budget | 7,333,058.59 euros (3.1M from Unizar, 4.23M from DPH) |
| Completion Date | March 31, 2026 |
| Key Features | Simulation area, geothermal energy, four floors with 1,000 sqm each |
| Sustainability | High insulation, efficient facilities, and reuse of existing elements |
This enterprising project not only fulfills a long-standing aspiration for the Huesca Campus but also sets a new standard for medical education facilities in the region. Stay tuned for more updates as this historic transformation unfolds.
